eFootball PES 2021 has definitely upped the ante when it comes to the releases of Iconic Moments. Since the Datapack 2.0 update, users can relive match-winning performances from all the legends of the game in coin packs where several clubs have their icons up for grab. Several users have a great array of Iconic Moment players over a set of different clubs, with some mainly focusing on collecting Iconics from their favourite clubs. End of the day, it all depends on luck. With legends being easily churned out in the game slowly, Iconic Moments players can add to the real glam of your squad. In this article, we shall review the AC Milan Iconic Moments in PES 2021.
All the reviews are made only after trying them out in both offline & online mode. Whenever any new AC Milan Iconic Moments are released, this review will be updated with the new set of players. We have previously reviewed the Iconic Moments players of the following clubs from PES 2020 and also the below clubs from PES 2021, so feel free to check those reviews out.
PES 2020 Iconic Moments
- Bayern Munich
- Barcelona
- Manchester United
- AS Roma
- AC Milan
- Inter Milan
- Atletico Madrid
- Juventus
- Real Madrid
- Arsenal
- Celtic
PES 2021 Iconic Moments
PES 2021: AC Milan Iconic Moments
We currently have six AC Milan Iconic Moments released in PES 2021 this year. Whenever any new AC Milan Iconic Moments are released in PES 2021, this review will be updated with the new set of players.
Marco Van Basten
Playing Style: Fox in the Box
Looking back at that Iconic Match
Van Basten became the first man to net four times in the Champions League when AC Milan destroyed Swedish side ITK Goteborg in 1992, the highest count ever scored in the European competition. This record stood for a massive 20 years until Messi scored 5 goals against Leverkusen in 2012. Scoring the first goal in the thirty-third minute, Marco added three more goals within a span of 10 minutes in the second half from which the pick of the goals was his third in the 61st minute: a sublime bicycle kick from just inside the box. His stellar season helped him pick the Ballon dāOr a month later. Unfortunately for the legendary Dutchman, Van Basten’s career effectively came to an end later that season when he required yet more ankle surgery as his side lost to Marseille in the Champions League final.
Player Analysis
One of the best strikers of PES 2021, Marco Van Basten enjoyed the best of cards, his Legend Version as well as the Iconic Moment card from PES 2020. This season too, the card is really good, but not an upgrade over the previous version. As a pure striker, Van Basten still hits the bar of expectations, but few stats being downgraded does make a difference. Before going to the detailed review, we suggest you not worry if you don’t pack Van Basten in the current draw, as his better card is available in the Shop thanks to the eFootball Program.
There are some similarities between his previous Iconic version and the current one: Sublime finishing, Very good positioning, precise awareness, same speed and dribbling. This card still stands out as on the pitch, the performances are still very consistent. With his Fox in The Box playstyle, his movement is fantastic in the box and does impress with his great positioning thanks to his 99 Offensive Awareness at max level. Without a doubt, this card is one of the finest finishers in the game with 99 Finishing stats. Another positive point to note is that his long rangers are still fantastic.
Noticeable differences can be seen in his passing and ball possession playing, as there seems to be a slight downgrade on both these aspects. He still has incredible stats for a CF considering the passing department, as skills like No-Look Pass and One Touch Pass are very helpful if you opt for quick buildup, but like mentioned before there is a downgrade even if stats are not considered. Van Basten sometimes feels clunky while buildup and has a lower balance to hold on to the ball well, and his ball control is a bit off sometimes, but still manageable. His Heading is another excellent attribute of his, where he can find the end of crosses and finds space often to make runs.
Overall, a good card but there are better options, playing him under the right formation will get the best out of him. If you know how to use slower strikers and want great movement and finishing consistency every single time, the Swan of Utrecht is the right man for you.
Formation Discussion
Similar to last year’s card, he works better in a two CF formation. Formations like 4-3-1-2, 3-4-1-2 are great fits. Although few people might not find him effective in this position, he has attributes to play the best at a CF formation supported by wingers like a 4-2-1-3 where two wingers make runs while he collects the ball deep and then distributes forward. He thrives best under a counter-attacking manager with a short-passing style of play.
Filippo Inzaghi
Playing Style: Goal Poacher
Looking back at that Iconic Match
The 2007 UEFA Champions League Final was contested between Liverpool FC and AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, on 23 May with 63,000 people in attendance. Liverpool, who had won the competition five times, were appearing in their seventh final. Milan, who had won the competition six times, was appearing in their eleventh final. AC Milan made sure there was no Liverpool comeback this time. The Rossoneri got the better of Liverpool by beating them 2-1, thanks to two goals by Filippo “Pippo” Inzaghi for its seventh European Cup title.
Despite having two of the tournament’s top scorers – Milan’s KakĆ” had a tournament-high 10 goals going into the Final, while Liverpool’s Peter Crouch was tied for third with 6 goals – the defenses held strong through most of the first half (Crouch didn’t come on until the second half). Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi broke the deadlock with a controversial 45th-minute goal off a Pirlo freekick that appeared to deflect off of his arm past keeper Pepe Reina.
Liverpool pressed for an equalizer in the second half but was unable to beat Milan’s goalkeeper, Dida. Inzaghi made it 2-0 in the 82nd, taking a pass from Kaka in the center, spurting ahead, and rolling the ball from an angle past the outstretched Reina. The match appeared to be won, but Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt made sure the last few minutes were exciting when he found the net in the 89th minute. This time, however, Liverpool could not muster a second and there was no extra time and no penalty shootout. The match ended as a 2-1 Milan win.
Player Analysis
No would dare not to mention Filippo Inzaghi when there is a question of the best Super-Subs in the game. Not because of someone’s being forced to tell so, it is because of how dangerous this guy is when he comes on the pitch as a sub, just like he was distinctively known for his Poaching skills. The latest version is a big upgrade to the PES 2020 IM statistically when it comes to the Dribbling and Passing departments, but has stats downgraded for finishing and acceleration. Let us see in detail how the card is built-in PES 2021.
Inzaghi still retains his best-in-class offensive awareness just like the last year’s version of his. What’s more, to add a bonus, is that his ball control got a major boost, and he is really good on the ball, and of course, has a better first touch and turn. Passing has improved too, and his one-touch passing is on point. He has great speed and acceleration to burst through defenders and beat them with pace.
His stats in Finishing did get a -3 downgrade, now standing at 96 in this version at max level, but frankly, there seems to be no difference. His finishing is still lethal and is a very deadly presence inside the box. He almost has all shooting skills in this version to get the best out of him, especially the Dipping Shot being the best among them is very precise when used correctly. He has no weak foot, so his finishing doesn’t differ whatever the foot it might be. Inzaghi’s Heading ability deserves some appreciation too, which is also very precise, even though he’s not the tallest of the strikers.
In summary, a worthy upgrade to the previous version, with added shooting skills that make him the best IM Super-Sub.
Formation Discussion
Inzaghi works the best as a Super-sub, but if necessary, you can play him at the top but with someone playing the second fiddle to him in an SS/advanced AMF role. H. Flick’s 4-2-3-1 is the best fit for Inzaghi, followed by 4-2-1-3, 4-3-1-2 working the best for him too.
Ruud Gullit
Playing Style: Classic No. 10
Looking back at that Iconic Match
AC Milan faced Juventus on a Sunday matchday on 30th December 1990 in the Giuseppe Meazza. With around 83,000 fans in attendance, the match was expected to be a treat for football fans around the world. Arrigo Sacchi played a 4-2-2-2 double 6 formation, with Massaro and Gullit at the top. However, the men in red did not disappoint. Goals from Carlo Ancelloti and Ruud Gullit ensured the win for AC Milan. Carlo’s first goal of the season came in the 45th minute from a right-footed shot. Gullit followed in the 55th minute, scoring the second goal and also his 2nd of the season from a Frank Rijkaard through ball on the right, followed by a sublime bottom left corner finish.
Player Analysis
A rare breed of a Physical attacking midfielder, Gullit is a monster on the pitch with his exceptional attacking prowess and physical capacity. Don’t doubt his Classic No. 10 playstyle, which isnāt popular amongst players, because his game really differs from what you think. Gullit is one of those players with whom you can hold the ball for a long time and bully players as your wish by utilizing the best of his physical attributes. The previous version was also a very good card, and the new release has also packed some great stats that show on the pitch.
Gullit is a very dominating presence on the pitch, to begin with. He doesn’t play like a Classic No. 10 at all, as his forward runs are calculated and are also frequently compared to the others of the same profile. What makes him special is that despite packing such physical prowess, his on-the-ball movement is very silky, and has good ball control. For the dribbling part, he doesn’t cut it as a pure dribbler as his lack of dribbling skills being a problem, but his physicality is just amazing as he pushes other players along his way when he carries the ball ahead. Passing is terrific too, with 85+ stats and all passing skills, Gullit comes across as a great distributor of the ball.
On the offensive side of the game, Gullit is a dependable finisher. Dependability is used because when he plays in wider areas, his finishing inconsistencies can be observed. To help him out of it, his curling has got a big downgrade of -10 from his PES 2020 version. Because of it, his outside curlers also go straight at the keeper. But there are no issues when you take long shots, generally are powerful and driven hard. His Heading is brilliant, and being 190cms tall, he wins headers more often than not. Gullit’s setpiece taking abilities are also fantastic and is a reliable free-kick taker.
Overall, any version of Gullit is a must-have. His physical presence can be easily seen on the pitch, and also come across as a very dominating attacking mid in the game.
Formation Discussion
Gullit works the best as a central AMF/SS/CF. He fits better in formations like 4-2-1-3, 4-2-2-2, and the 3-2-3-2 fits perfectly for him. If you plan to use Gullit as an SS/second fiddle CF, preferably have him at the left SS role in 2 CF formations.
Ronaldinho Gaucho
Playing Style: Classic No. 10
Looking back at that Iconic Match
The Milan derby was one of the most sought matches in football history and remains to be one of among others. On 28/09/2008, AC Milan faced Inter Milan with 80,000 people in attendance at the Giuseppe Meazza to witness all-time popular Milan derby. The Milan derby was lit up with some Brazilian magic just before the break when Ronaldinho put AC Milan in front with a superb header from a delicious Kaka cross.
The Brazilian soared and powerfully headed home a cross from Kaka to settle the derby in the 37th minute. Inter had defender Nicolas Burdisso sent off for a second yellow in the 77th and Marco Materazzi, who had been substituted, was also given a red card for dissent from the bench during the closing stages. Adriano wasted Interās best chance to equalize deep into stoppage time, heading wide when unmarked at the far post.
Player Analysis
On paper, the AC Milan version of Ronaldinho compared with the Barcelona IM version and the Legend version looks the weakest among the three, where the old purchasable Nike version not included in the discussion. Here, the only improvement comes from the massive upgrades of Heading and Jump stats. It had to be, as this card is from the later stages of his career. But still, Ronaldinho is the same, whatever the version it might be.
With the Classic No. 10 playing style, just like his other versions, Ronaldinho is still a dribbling beast, so players with good dribbling skills utilize the best of him. In this case, Ronaldinho’s pace becomes a concern. He feels a lot slower, undeniably because of his low pace stats, he can be easily chased down by opponent defenders. Yet, he is still very good on the ball. This case is similar to the PES 2021 Messi. Ronaldinho is a flashy player by far and has fancy dribbling skills to prove the point. Dribbling remains his best asset.
Passing is on point, there’s nothing to complain about here. He excels as a great ball distributor, and in tight spaces too, his ball distribution is excellent. His off-the-ball movement is good, but again, the forward runs are not frequent as you would like, but there are no complaints here. Ronaldinho’s finishing is clinical to his plus, and even long rangers are accurate, but it feels a tad less powerful when there is no curl applied on the shot. His curlers are very precise, so is the set-piece taking. With the boosted heading stats, he seems to be a better header now, and definitely can score many.
Physical attributes are good enough to shield the ball, and that balance helps to keep a steady run. Stamina is a concern, lasts less compared to the other two cards mentioned above. Overall, this Ronaldinho version is nerfed but is a very good card to get hold of.
Formation Discussion
He is best suited as a central AMF in formations like 4-2-1-3, 4-3-1-2. In this case, Ronaldinho has better heading ability, so you can take advantage of that by making him run centrally to meet the ends of some crosses inside the box. Even though not the fastest for the position, he can fit well as a left SS/LWF and can cut inside to curl the ball in, which utilizes the best of his abilities.
Frank Rijkaard
Playing Style: Orchestrator
Looking back at that Iconic Match
The 1990 European Cup Final was held amongst a 58,000 crowd between AC Milan of Italy and Benfica of Portugal on 23 May at the Praterstadion in Vienna, Austria. Arrigo Sacchiās side had won the trophy in Barcelona the previous year, hammering Steaua Bucharest 4-0. This win would make AC Milan the only side to defend their title in European history and eventually did so.
The final itself was a tight affair. The Portuguese, coached by Sven Goran Eriksson, was well marshaled at the back by Ricardo Gomes and future Roma stalwart Aldair. Marco Van Basten found it hard to free himself from the attentions of the two uncompromising Brazilians. In midfield, both teams tried to impose their style. Milan pressed aggressively as their coach demanded, looking to place The Eagles on the back foot throughout. Meanwhile, Benfica strived to play through their midfield duo Jonas Thern and Valdo despite the constant pressure. Defenses remained on top as the last quarter of the game neared.
The winning goal came in the 68th minute for Milan when Frank Rijkaard ran through the opposing defense and scored the only goal of the match. Alessandro Costacurta stepped forward from the backline and slid a lovely ball into Van Basten. The Dutch center forward had dropped free of Aldair into a number 10 position and in one touch he played in his compatriot Frank Rijkaard. With perfect timing, the midfield man had filled the space Van Basten had vacated. After one touch to collect the ball and another to set it in front of himself. Rijkaard was one on one with Silvino. He slotted the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot and low for the only goal on the night. Although the competition soon became The Champions League, Milan remains the last side to retain the old European Cup, where Real Madrid has the legacy to be the only team to defend it twice consecutively.
Player Analysis
This card is of a similar profile compared to his PES 2020 Iconic Moment version. Even though there are some changes to the stats, they both seem similar on paper. In PES 2021, Rijkaard comes as a Ball playing DMF with great defensive stats. Being an Orchestrator in the game, Rijkaard has that fine balance between offensive and attacking prowess. Not the offensive stats that would interest you, but way enough to be active as an attacking unit as well. Rijkaard is good in forwarding passing with 90+ Passing stats and has also great control on the ball, which will help you a lot in moving the ball forward. His Weighted Passes are very accurate and have a lot of range along with it.
Coming to his defensive prowess, he’s not a bully like Vieira or even a calmer presence like Busquets. His game lies in between them, with the best mix of Physicality and Defensive awareness. He can hold the ball well, and also has the best Man Marking abilities for a DMF. Interceptions are sometimes hit or miss, but still, his positioning to intercept a ball from an opponent is really good.
When viewed as a goal-scoring threat, his long-range shots are powerful, and the Rising Shot skills do add some more refined look to those shots. Although not the most accurate of them, it is enough to be on target. Rijkaard is an excellent set-piece threat, as 90 stats in Jump and Heading makes him time his headers well and slot in perfectly. Overall, on the pitch, he can be called the engine of the side, for his work rate which is the best in class.
Formation Discussion
He can play as a sole DMF but is advisable to go with a Double Pivot behind an offensive midfielder because of Rijkaard being the best as a ball distributing DMF. 4-2-1-3, 3-2-4-1, 3-2-2-3, 4-2-2-2 are some amazing formations that thrive well with Double Pivots.
Paulo Maldini
Playing Style: Build Up
Looking back at that Iconic Match
The iconic match was the same European night (covered in the Filippo Inzaghi section)
After the match, The European Champion Clubs’ Cup was presented to Milan captain Paolo Maldini in the Guest of Honour’s box, as UEFA President Michel Platini favored a return to the tradition of winning captain receiving the trophy among the fans.
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini, a month short of his 39th birthday, became the oldest nongoalkeeper to take part in a final. He collected his fifth winners’ medal, one short of the competition record by Real Madrid’s Francisco Gento.
Player Analysis
The older version of Iconic Maldini is often in the discussion of being one of the best CBs in the game. Even the legend version is also one of the “go-to” picks for many players in the game. What makes the call surprising is that both the cards were of Offensive Fullback playstyle. This made Maldini versatile, but still, some fans wanted a pure defense dominating CB Maldini, to recreate the domination of his defensive presence in the game just like he did in real life.
As a pure defender and not focusing on the offensive attributes, the new IM Maldini is a monster addition to any defense. He can make any average backline world-class in the game until there is scripting involved (just a joke). The Build-Up version of Maldini gets heavily downgraded offensive stats compared to the Offensive Fullback one, but comes with added stats to defensive attributes. Still, Maldini remains to be a great ball passer with 85+ stats in both Low and Lofted Pass. Considering the card to be 38 years old, these stats suggest how good Maldini was even during the final years of his career.
Maldini maintains a healthy pace stat for a CB, which doesn’t seem slow. No surprises here, his defending is on point, with the slide tackles and ball-winning abilities, Maldini bosses almost every game consistently, and that 8 form is no joke at all. His aggressive approach to a game makes a massive difference, and with Fighting Spirit, it comes across as a massive boost. He has all defensive skills, with Acrobatic Clear being an addition from his PES 2020 IM version. He is superb aerially, and every chance he gets in the air, his leaps are higher, and even gets the ball from half chances. No words on his physicality as well, he is a well-built CB, and with a build-up playstyle, he seems to be the boss of many.
Without a doubt, this card is worth every penny you spend on him in the game. Put him under any condition or formation, he will yield you results.
Formation Discussion
Nothing much to discuss here, as Maldini can fit in any formation, and players who like using 3 ATB (at the back) formations like 3-2-2-3, 3-4-1-2, etc. can easily play him as a central CB to maintain the balance in the middle. Conservative pressing, All-Out defense seems a better managerial choice.
How did you like our article on AC Milan Iconic moments in PES 2021? Who have you got from the above list of AC Milan Iconic Moments in PES 2021? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Van Basten best playerš„ awesome review..